This month, Sharon Caldwell was named by the Talbot County Department of Social Services as the adoptive parent of the year. When Sharon of Easton decided to become a foster parent, after raising a daughter of her own, little did she know that she would end up adopting two beautiful girls, Trinity and Naiobi. The sisters’ adoption was finalized on March 28, 2011.

Caldwell comments that her love of children and a desire to help the community was her motivation in becoming a licensed foster parent for Talbot County Department of Social Services in October 1991. During the 20 years that Ms. Caldwell has been licensed as a foster parent, she has provided a home for a variety of children with multiple needs.

According to Susan Merriken, Foster Care and Adoption Supervisor at the Talbot County Department of Social Services, “Sharon was able to offer the girls emotional stability, commitment and love while at the same time allowing Trinity and Naiobi to maintain a relationship with their birth family.”

The adoption has become a family affair for Sharon, whose 27-year old daughter, Karen, helps care for the two sisters every other weekend when Sharon works as a care manager at Heartfields in Easton. Caldwell’s twin sister is also becoming licensed as a foster parent this year.

Caldwell adds, “I so enjoy us being a family together and doing family activities, whether it is getting ice cream or going to the park. The girls seem very happy and adjusted. Naiobi, age seven, is a Girl Scout and Trinity, age 9, plays soccer and enjoys drawing. It is wonderful to watch them grow up.”

For information about becoming a licensed foster/adoptive parent, contact the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-770-4848 or attend the regional information session for prospective foster/adoptive parents on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 301 Bay Street, Unit #5 in Easton. The next nine-week P.R.I.D.E. Training at the Talbot County Department of Social Services begins January 4, 2011, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

In photo: Pictured left to right are Naiobi, Sharon and Trinity Caldwell. Sharon Caldwell was named the 2011 Adoptive Parent of the Year by the Talbot County Department of Social Services.